Madison encourages cool-roof and reflective-surface installations on commercial and large multifamily buildings to reduce urban heat-island effects, lower cooling demand, and support Climate Action Plan goals tied to electrification of buildings.
Madison's building and zoning code, alongside Climate Action Plan implementation, encourages reflective roofing membranes, white or light-colored coatings, and high-albedo paving in new construction and major reroofing projects. Wisconsin's Uniform Commercial Building Code (Wis. Stat. ch. 101) establishes baseline insulation and roofing requirements, with Madison adding incentives such as expedited permits and stormwater-credit overlap when cool roofs reduce runoff. Public buildings and schools must consider cool-roof options under sustainable-procurement standards. Single-family homes are not mandated to use cool roofs, but rebates may be available through Focus on Energy or Madison Gas and Electric programs partnered with the city.
Failure to install required cool-roof or reflective elements on qualifying commercial projects can delay certificate of occupancy and trigger correction orders from Building Inspection, generally without separate fines.
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